First grade students at Spragueparticipate in Spanish language classes for 100 minutes per week. The curriculum addresses each of the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages — communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and community. The instructional goals for each thematic unit integrate language, culture and content in age-appropriate ways. The focus is on what students can do with the language and languages classes are taught almost entirely in Spanish.

Performance Goals – Novice Low - Novice Mid

By the end of first grade, students will be able to communicate using words and phrases on topics they have studied in class. They will understand the Spanish that their teacher uses when working with memorized words and phrases and will be able to copy a few words in Spanish.

Unit 1:All About Me

Essential Question: Who am I?

Students will take an imaginary trip to Spain where they will be able to use the Spanish that they are learning. They will be able to greet others and introduce themselves by asking and responding to simple questions about name and age. They will be able to describe how they feel and talk about what they like to do. They will be able to name and describe common pets and comment on whether they have a pet. Children can count pets up to fifteen. Finally, students will meet the bear that is the symbol of Madrid and will recognize and name the colors of the Spanish and US flags.

Unit 2:A Day at School

Essential Question: What is school?

Students will have a chance to compare their school to elementary schools and will understand what “back to school” is like in Spain.. They will be able to identify the people who work in schools. They will learn the names for different classes, common school supplies and will be able to say what supplies are needed for different school activities. They will be able to discuss different locations around the school and comment on what they do at school. They will understand and respond to school rules for each location.

Unit 3:Let’s Go to the Zoo

Essential Question: What is a zoo?

Students will take an imaginary trip to a zoo in Spain where they will learn about different zoo animals. They will be able to describe animals based on color, size, and other features as well as compare different zoo animals. They will learn about the various animal habitats, where they are located, and what each animal does. Finally, they will recognize that some animals are endangered and will be able to express the need to save or protect that animal.

Our Mission:

To provide innovative learning experiences which empower each student to excel and make a difference in a diverse and interconnected world.